BP ADAMS STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION IN THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE

“I have spent my career fighting for the safety of everyday New Yorkers, be it serving as an officer in the New York City Police Department, as a State Senator in Albany or now as the Borough President of Brooklyn. In that spirit, I am pleased to see the work of my former colleagues in the New York State Legislature in passing key legislation that will address longstanding and newly emerging challenges to our public safety.

“The Expedited Missing Persons Act, whose passage was led by Assembly Member Joe Lentol and State Senators Simcha Felder and Daniel Squadron, all Brooklyn representatives, was introduced in the wake of the tragic death of Williamsburg resident Menachem Stark. When enacted, it will improve the process of identifying unidentified victims, aiding law enforcement with their investigations and easing the pain of loved ones grieving for those they have lost.

“Additionally, I thank the New York State Legislature, particularly Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Assembly Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, and State Senator Diane Savino, both Brooklyn representatives, for their efforts on the package of legislation to combat the growing trend of heroin, opioid and prescription drug abuse. This epidemic has hit hard in southern Brooklyn, impacting the public health and basic safety of its victims, who are predominately young people. By cracking down on illegal drug distribution and improving our support services for those who need treatment, we can take an important step toward reversing this frightening trend.“